Coal, at one-third the cost of natural gas and one-fifth the cost of oil, is our cheapest source of energy and is also in abundant supply. Because of significant technological advances, coal-fired equipment now approaches the clean and automatic operational characteristics of gas- and oil-fired boilers. For these reasons, and because schools are eligible for loans and grants from the federal government to finance coal conversions, coal has many advantages for public schools. However, coal conversions are subject to a number of site-specific variables that should be considered. Since coal prices vary with quality, different coals should be compared on the basis of the heating value obtained per dollar. Available coal supplies should be evaluated in conjunction with the selection of stoker equipment and transportation factors. Coal price is also affected by the size of the shipment; therefore, cooperative purchases should be considered. In addition, space allocations for receiving and storing coal and arrangements for ash removal need to be made. Examples of an actual conversion and of a planned conversion illustrate the economics of coal utilization. (MLF)